A glimpse at all the things that make Shadow World a unique place where to play your adventures.
With no spoilers that give away the GM-only secrets, just clear explanations of the most important races, the key places to visit and a general overview of how things work in Kulthea.
It also has visual aids for the colors of magic, a great table comparing the races, beautiful maps and images of some important places.
The only game mechanic included are suggestions for using Rolemaster lore skills in Shadow World. That is maybe more a tool for the GM than the players, but it has its value as well.

I have to say that this is one of the best designed RPG books I've ever seen. I really like how every illustration has a purpose. There is nothing extraneous that's there just to eat up page space. I could practically cry for joy at the complete lack of decorative borders. I hope the rest of the new Shadow World publications follow this example.

An excellent introduction to Shadow World. Lots of great general information that doesn't get bogged down in too many details. The beautiful colour artwork is worth the price all by itself. Recommended for anyone interested in Shadow World.

Wow!... that is the first word that comes to mind as I read through this guide for the first time. First of all, to see new products for my most beloved of all Campaign Settings was almost more than I could stand but then to see the absolutely gorgeous layout my jaw continued its drop to the floor. The guide is truly for the players meaning that it gives nothing away as to the dirty secrets of Kulthea that could potentially spoil it for the players. It gives information on the Heavens, the Essaence (the flow of magic that permeates the world), Geography, Gods and Religion, Races, History, Powers of Note, and finally Languages.

It gives enough information to be informative but also (hopefully) leaves the players intrigued and hungry for more. It is well paced, well written as we've come to expect from T.K. Amthor, and fresh. The fresh aspect is particularly amazing to me simply because this campaign setting has been around since roughly 1989 and I have been a collector of every product from that date onward. And to see something new that feels fresh is a true testament to the writing skills of the author.

Finally, I cannot say enough about the layout. The illustrations are absolutely lavish and of the utmost quality. The presentation is hugely above average and very visual making it a joy to just peruse.

If it sounds like I'm gushing, well, I'm guilty as charged. You simply will not be disappointed with this product.

This is definitely a must-have for all Shadow World fans as well as for new players and gamemaster that want to enter the fantastic setting of the Shadow World.
Illustrations and page layout are simply outstanding. For the price, it is almost too good to be true.
What are you waiting for? Just get it, read it, and start playing in this wonderful setting...